Kluje guide to kitchen worktops.

Whether you choose state-of-the-art units or cheaper buys, your worktop will undoubtedly be the making of your kitchen. But which material to go for? There are many elements to consider when it comes to choosing a kitchen worktop.

There are 3 things that will influence your decision.

Budget: How much are you prepared to spend to get the look you want?

Practicality: Is the surface easy to maintain and how durable is it?

look: What colour and texture do you want and are there any design details such as sweeping curves or the latest thin edged profile. You may want your kitchen's worktop to complement your cabinets or you may prefer a contrasting colour.

Try as many different samples as you can, and you may find something you never considered before.

Granite

Granite worktops are incredibly popular as they are both strong and durable. It’s also a great choice for keen cooks, as its cold surface is perfect for pastry making. Each slab of granite will be unique, as it’s a natural stone, so expect different veining and colour from the samples you see. It also needs to be well looked after, as it can scratch and stain easily, but just make sure you use chopping boards for prepping and trivets with hot pans and always check that it’s been pre-sealed before installation.

Pros: Virtually indestructible, and the cool surface is perfect for making pastry and dough.

Cons: Very expensive and heavy, so units underneath may require reinforcement. Red wine, tea and coffee may all leave stains.

Marble

Marble worktops are available in a choice of four materials and are ideal for adding a beautiful, natural look to your kitchen. Your marble worktop is special and needs to be cared for, so speak to your local Second Nature specialist for more information on how to look after it.

Pros: Classic, timeless beauty, and a white brightness not available in granite or soapstone. Marble is available from nearly any stone fabricator or stone yard.

Cons: Marble can scratch easily, especially when touched for a long period of time by something acidic. A slice of lemon laid down on a polished counter top overnight can leave a mark in the shape of the lemon slice, duller than the surface around it. Can also stain; red wine and some fruits are infamous for leaving indelible stains on the marble.

Sleek, functional, and economical—these are top qualities that Singaporeans desire out of their kitchens, according to architect Vincent Van Duysen. If you’re looking for the same thing, it wouldn’t be surprising to seek out…